Mark Pope just added another future gem to Kentucky basketball’s roster—and this one could shine for years to come.
Braydon Hawthorne, a 6-foot-8 wing with a blossoming skill set and elite physical tools, committed to the Wildcats over offers from Duke, Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh, and former pledge West Virginia. His commitment is more than just a recruiting win—it’s a statement about the direction of the program under Pope.
By choosing Kentucky, Hawthorne made it clear he’s not looking for shortcuts. He wants development. He wants to work. And under Pope—widely regarded as one of the best developers of talent in college basketball—he found the perfect fit.
A late riser with limitless upside
Hawthorne was one of the biggest risers in the 2025 class, climbing nearly 40 spots in the final 247Sports rankings. He now sits at No. 101 nationally in the 247Sports Composite, but many believe that number won’t reflect his true impact in the long run.
247Sports National Basketball Director Eric Bossi is one of his biggest believers.
“The reason I'm so high on him is not for what he might do as a freshman—I'm thinking long-term here,” Bossi recently said. “He's a 6-foot-8, long and skilled wing… We see these guys come along every couple years. He’s a little bit of a late bloomer who has those translatable skills with size, length, shooting.”
Hawthorne first caught Bossi’s eye at the Wootten Camp in fall 2024, then continued turning heads throughout the high school season. Once considered a solid get for West Virginia, his recruitment exploded late as his ceiling became clear. With his frame, speed, and a rapidly improving jumper, he checks all the boxes for a modern wing prospect.
A developmental dream for Mark Pope
For Pope, Hawthorne represents a perfect project—not in the sense of being a gamble, but as a player whose growth can be carefully molded over multiple years.
Kentucky fans may not see him dominate from day one, but don’t mistake that for a lack of talent. His size and versatility give Pope a unique developmental opportunity. Few players at 6'8" can move like Hawthorne or shoot it with his form and confidence. As his game sharpens, he could become a two-way force in the SEC and beyond.
Scholarship puzzle, one in and one (maybe) out?
While the addition is a massive win for the program’s future, it also presents a short-term roster dilemma.
Kentucky is currently at the NCAA limit of 13 scholarships. Adding Hawthorne brings that number to 14—if returning guard Otega Oweh withdraws from the NBA Draft. That decision is due by May 28th at 11:59 PM EDT. If Oweh returns, Kentucky would technically be one player over the limit.
The solution may come from the expected NCAA settlement with the House vs. NCAA case, which would allow programs to carry up to 15 scholarship players in the new revenue-sharing era. But that’s not yet finalized, making this an interesting eight-day stretch for the Wildcats’ staff.
The bottom line
Braydon Hawthorne is a long-term investment, but one that could pay off in a big way. With his size, length, athleticism, and a work ethic to match, Kentucky may have just secured a future star. And with Pope at the helm, there’s good reason to believe Hawthorne’s best basketball is ahead of him.
So while the scholarship math may be tricky for now, Big Blue Nation should break out the dancing shoes once again. Mark Pope just landed another high-upside weapon—and Kentucky’s future keeps getting brighter.
So maybe thank a Hoosier today, it is their coaching change that allowed this whole thing to happen.